Wines of the week: Charles Back Barbera 2008; M'Hudi Sauvignon Blanc 2009; Domaine Du Pech Rome Tempranillo 2009

Terry Kirby selects the best bottles to buy

Sunday lunch

Charles Back Barbera 2008

The three bottles this week give an opportunity to sample grapes grown outside their more established locations – and, as last week, all are from the Wine Relief selection, whereby, until the end of the week, retailers donate 10 per cent of sales towards Comic Relief. The barbera grape, responsible for some of Italy's best reds, here struts its stuff in the similarly Mediterranean climate of South Africa's coastal region to great effect: intense, smoky, dark, black-fruit flavours, with a smooth finish. Food choice: baked pasta. £9.99, marksandspencer.com

Weekday supper

M'Hudi Sauvignon Blanc 2009

Not all South African whites are chenin blanc. From the Western Cape, this combines the best of the gooseberry/ tropical fruit flavours of New Zealand sauvignon blancs with the more mineral-like qualities of the French version. The result is light, refreshing, approachable and, at 12.5 per cent alcohol, more-ish as either an aperitif or to wash down some shellfish. £8.49, marksandspencer.com

Bargain basement

Domaine Du Pech Rome Tempranillo 2009

This small domaine, established just 10 years ago, grows tempranillo – traditionally found just across the border in Spain – amid the more familiar syrah, carignan and mourvèdre vines of the Languedoc region. And why not? This is a terrific, well-made, robust wine, full of spicy, herby flavours that make it a perfect partner for grilled lamb or chicken, and defies its otherwise lowly vin de pays status. £7.99, majestic. co.uk (minimum purchase: six bottles)